Tim Pearson, one of Mayor Eric Adams’ top advisors, is embroiled in controversy.

Pearson is a former cop and close confidante to Adams. His recent unannounced visit to a migrant shelter in Manhattan resulted in a physical confrontation between Pearson and security at the site.

What You Need To Know

  • Mayor Eric Adams defended Tim Pearson Tuesday after his recent unannounced visit to a migrant site allegedly led to a physical altercation with security
  • Pearson is a senior advisor to Adams and a long-time confidante to the mayor
  • Pearson allegedly grabbed one female security guard by the throat and shoved another at a migrant shelter for single migrant men in an old Touro University building
  • The incident is currently under investigation and Adams called for caution before judgment

Adams on Tuesday defended the visit.

“I have Tim Pearson doing unannounced show-ups at migrant [humanitarian emergency response and relief centers], shelters, to make sure we are following the rules,” Adams said.

The mayor said Pearson was given the oversight role amid reports that there was loitering and illegal mopeds at certain migrant shelter sites.

“A quality assurance person goes in unannounced and do an inspection to make sure that everything is operating accordingly. Are we throwing out too much food? Are we doing things inappropriately or illegal,” Adams said.

Pearson, according to The City, grabbed one female security guard by the throat and shoved another at a migrant shelter in an old Touro University building.

The incident was reportedly sparked by Pearson not identifying himself to security and staff.

Adams said he has never seen Pearson cross the line.

“I’ve known Tim Pearson for over 30-something years and I’ve never witnessed him displaying a violent action and he’s a professional,” Adams said.

And Adams cautioned against rushing to judgment in the case.

“A review will determine if we need to do something different and how our procedures are done. Let the review do its job,” Adams said.

Adams said he is unaware of any video of the incident, but if camera footage is available, he will follow protocol on releasing it.

Gov. Kathy Hochul earlier in the day refused to wade too far into what she called a “city matter,” before saying she needed more information on the incident. 

“I would certainly look into all the facts and I do have no tolerance for people who abuse their positions. But I would need to know more of the facts. And certainly everyone's entitled to have their cases heard before an adjudicating committee,” Hochul said at an unrelated press conference.

But some officials like City Councilmember Diana Ayala, whose district the shelter is located in, have called for Pearson to step down. She repeated that call Monday.

“If in fact, Mr. Pearson is guilty of the things he has been accused of, he needs to step down immediately,” Ayala said at an unrelated City Council hearing.

Last Wednesday, Ayala posted her initial response to the Pearson allegations on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Pearson also allegedly had a separate altercation at the large-scale tent site on Randall’s Island earlier on the same day as the Touro University incident.

This isn't Pearson's first controversy. Last year, ethical questions surrounded him getting two taxpayer-funded salaries while also working for a casino looking to expand across the city.

Amid the controversy, Pearson left his casino post.